Final tragedy of Bob Hawke’s life

Blanche d'Alpuget has revealed the final tragedy of her husband Bob Hawke's life, telling Leigh Sales the former prime minister didn't get to vote in last week's election.

In an emotional interview with ABC's 7.30, Ms d'Alpuget said she took comfort in the fact that the Labor great didn't live to see the party's shock loss.

The country's 23rd prime minister and third-longest serving leader, died peacefully in his sleep last week, and Australians mourned the loss of the beer-loving larrikin who led Labor to four consecutive election victories.

His beloved wife revealed Mr Hawke was days from voting, and given Labor's shocking loss, Ms d'Alpuget said it was "probably a good thing" her husband was not around to see it.

She said that after not appearing in public for several months, Mr Hawke had planned to turn up to the polling booth on election day.

"He decided he wasn't going to postal vote," Ms d'Alpuget revealed on Thursday night. "He was going to go up in his wheelchair and vote, but he didn't get there.

"He said to me, 'I can't make any further contribution. I've got no contribution to make now.' Which was one of the reasons he wanted to die, because he thought of his life as contributing to society."

Bob Hawke’s widow, Blanche d’Alpuget on ABC 7:30 tonight to discuss the incredible life of the former Prime Minister. Picture: 7.30 Report

Ms d'Alpuget started welling up as she recalled the final year of her husband's life.

"It was both difficult and it was also one of the best times of our lives, because we were so close and intimate during that time while I was his main carer," she says.

"And we often said to each other, we've been blessed to have this period together."

Ms d'Alpuget became emotional during the interview, telling Sales she was trying not to cry.

"Among his proudest achievements were large increases in the proportion of children finishing high school, his role in ending apartheid in South Africa, and his successful international campaign to protect Antarctica from mining," she said.

The statement ended by saying Mr Hawke was "dearly loved by his family, and so many friends and colleagues. We will miss him. The golden bowl is broken".

Condolences were led by Labor leader Bill Shorten, who said Mr Hawke "inspired such profound affection and admiration, such loyalty and love among so many".

A day before his death, a letter had been released by Mr Hawke endorsing Mr Shorten's bid for prime minister.